Expandable Structure

ABSTRACT

An expandable structure ( 10 ) having a first chamber ( 12 ) and a second chamber ( 52 ). Each chamber has an upper layer ( 14,54 ), a lower layer ( 16,56 ), a right edge ( 18,58 ), a left edge ( 22,62 ), an upper edge ( 26,66 ) and a lower edge ( 30,68 ). The first chamber ( 12 ) is integrally attached to the second chamber ( 52 ), with the first chamber&#39;s lower edge ( 30 ) attached to the second chamber&#39;s upper edge ( 66 ). Separating the first chamber ( 12 ) from the second chamber ( 52 ) is a transverse seal ( 86 ). Located on the upper or lower layer of the first or second chamber ( 12,52 ) is at least one valve ( 76 ) that allows a fluid to be inserted into the chambers. Side conduits ( 88 ) can be added at each end of the transverse seal ( 86 ) to allow the fluid to pass from the first chamber ( 12 ) to the second chamber ( 52 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally pertains to expandable structures, and moreparticularly to an expandable structure that is filled with a fluid andthat provides improved supportive as well as therapeutic benefits.

BACKGROUND ART

Pillows, cushions and expandable structures have long been used fordecorative purposes and to provide body support. When used fordecorative purposes, most of these items, if chosen wisely, canaccentuate an area or a piece of furniture. Unfortunately, when many ofthese items are utilized for body support they are not that effective.The reason for this is that most of these items are not able to maintaintheir structural integrity when a weight, such as a person's body, isplaced upon them. The problem results from an item being filled with amaterial or substance that does not possess any inherent strength. As anitem ages this problem is exacerbated, until there is literally nosupport provided whatsoever.

An additional problem is that many of these items which are typicallyused for support are shaped as a rectangle or square. While a rectangleor square shape can provide effective support in some cases, there arealso many uses when a rectangle or square shape is not is preferable.

Obviously, what is needed is an expandable structure that can be filledwith a material or substance based on the particular use of thestructure and the needs of the person using the structure. Additionally,a purpose-designed expandable structure that can provide increasedsupportive and therapeutic benefits would allow a person to betterselect and utilize an expandable structure for a specific need orpurpose. The most optimal design of an expandable structure wouldprovide the above benefits and could also be utilized for multiplepurposes.

A search of the prior art disclosed a single U.S. Pat. No. 3,503,084issued to Meinwieser on 31 Mar. 1970 that is deemed related to theinstant application.

The U.S. Pat. No. 3,503,084 patent discloses a wedge shaped inflatedcushion proportioned and graduated in size so that the part that carriesthe greatest body weight will support the weight higher than the partthat carries the lesser body weight. The parts are pneumaticallyinterconnected to allow partial inflating and deflating or shifting ofthe content of the parts in response to a rocking action of thesupported weight. The cushion includes a plurality of cylindricalinflated bulges of graduated diameters and/or lengths substantiallyparallel, normal and symmetrical to the longitudinal centerline of thecushion.

For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which theinvention is related reference may be made to the following U.S.patents:

PAT. NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 3,308,489 Winkler 14 Mar. 1967 3,276,047 Emery4 Oct. 1966 3,235,892 Emery 26 Feb. 1966 D197,397 Emery 28 Jan. 19643,115,647 Emery 31 Dec. 1963 3,112,956 Schwick et al 3 Dec. 19631,673,636 Perry 12 Jun. 1928

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In its most basic design, the expandable structure is comprised of afirst chamber having an upper layer, a lower layer, a right edge, a leftedge, an upper edge and a lower edge. A second chamber also has an upperlayer, a lower layer, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge and alower edge.

The first chamber and the second chamber are integrally attached, withthe first first chamber's lower edge attached to the second chamber'supper edge.

Located on the upper layer or lower layer of the first chamber or secondchamber is at least one valve that allows a fluid to be inserted intothe first and second chambers, thereby expanding the structure.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention isto provide an expandable structure that can be filled a fluid, and thatas a result of the structure's unique shape, provides a unique feel andsuperior support capability.

In addition to the primary object of the invention, it is also an objectof the invention to provide an expandable structure that:

-   -   can also be filled with air, foam, gel and/or a multiplicity of        solid or hollow objects, such as beads.    -   can be made in a variety of sizes,    -   can be used to enhance an individual's motions while the        individual is on the structure.    -   can be used to alleviate a variety of physical pain,    -   can be partially filled with air or fluid to provide various        amounts of support,    -   can function as a portable mini water-bed,    -   can be used as a hot water-bottle for the relief of neck, back        and leg pains,    -   can function as a lumbar support,    -   can be provided with a fitted cover to offer a more gentle        surface,    -   can be used for various medical and therapeutic purposes, and    -   is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and a consumer's        point of view.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the subsequent detailed description of thepreferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of an expandablestructure.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the first embodiment of the expandablestructure.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the first embodiment of theexpandable structure.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the expandable structure folded in half.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the expandable structure placed within afitted cover.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms thatdisclose a preferred embodiment of an expandable structure 10. A fluidis inserted into the expandable structure 10, thereby causing thestructure to increase in size and provide resilient support for a personsitting or lying on the structure 120. When filled with a fluid theexpandable structure 10 is similar to a mini water bed that is portableand can be utilized for a variety of therapeutic and comfort purposes.The amount of support provided and firmness of the structure expandable10 can vary, depending on the amount of fluid that is utilized to fillthe structure 10.

The various types of support provided by the expandable structure 10,along with the structure's 10 unique shape, create an expandablestructure that is significantly superior to conventional feather orpolyester filled pillows or cushions, or other inflatable structures.The expandable structure 10 is especially useful for persons who sufferfrom various physical problems or for when support is needed to enhancean individual's motions while on the expandable structure.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the preferred embodiment of the expandablestructure 10 is comprised of the following major elements: a firstchamber 12, a second chamber 52, and at least one valve 76.

The first chamber 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, is comprised of an upperlayer 14, a lower layer 16, a right edge 18 having an inward curve 20, aleft edge 22 having an inward curve 24, an upper edge 26 having aninward curve 28, a lower edge 30 and a perimeter seam 32.

The second chamber 52, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, is also comprised of anupper layer 54, a lower layer 56, a right edge 58 having an inward curve60, a left edge 62 having an inward curve 64, an upper edge 66, a loweredge 68 and a perimeter seam 70.

Both the first chamber 12 and the second chamber 52 are made of amaterial selected from the group consisting of ABS, nylon, neoprene,polyester, polypropylene or polyurethane.

The upper layer 14 and the lower layer 16 of the first chamber 12 aredimensioned the same, and the upper layer 14 is attached to the lowerlayer 16 by an attachment means 36.

Similarly, the upper layer 54 and the lower layer 56 or the secondchamber 52 are dimensioned the same, and the upper layer 54 is attachedto the lower layer 56 by the attachment means 36.

The attachment means 36 for attaching the upper layers 14,54 to therespective lower layers 16,56 is selected from the group consisting of aheat seal 38, as shown in FIG. 1, adhesive stitching (not shown) or anadhesive (not shown).

The at least one valve 76, as shown if FIGS. 2 and 3, can be located onthe upper layer 14 or lower layer 16 of the first chamber 12, the upperlayer 54 or lower layer 56 of the second chamber 52, or the valve 76 canbe placed at any location on the expandable structure 10. The valve 76allows a fluid, such as water, to be inserted into the first chamber 12and the second chamber 52 to fill and expand the structure 10. The valve76 also allows the fluid to be released from the first and secondchambers 12,52 to empty the expandable structure 10. After the fluid isinserted, the valve can be sealed by a cap 78, as shown in FIGS. 2 and3.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a transverse seal 86 is located between thefirst chamber 12 and the second chamber 52. The transverse seal 86extends laterally along and interfaces with the lower edge 30 of thefirst chamber 12 and the upper edge 66 of the second chamber 52. Thetransverse seal 86 separates the first chamber 12 from the secondchamber 52, thereby creating a single structure with two distinctchambers. A pair of side conduits 88, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, can beadded to allow the fluid to pass from the first chamber 12 to the secondchamber 52.

As shown in FIG. 4, the expandable structure 10 can be folded in-halfalong the transverse seal 86 in order to create a smaller size structureand/or to increase the thickness, height and support capability of theexpandable structure 10.

In addition to a fluid, the expandable structure 10 can be filled withair, foam, gel, a multiplicity of solid objects or a multiplicity ofhollow objects. The solid or hollow objects can include beads, beans,tube-like objects or any other objects that will fit through the valveand provide the support characteristics required of the expandablestructure. To assist filling the two chambers 12,52 with air, an adapter80 can be placed onto the valve. The adapter 80, as shown in FIG. 2,will create a smaller diameter opening that more easily facilitates theinsertion of air either by use of a pump or from a person's mouth. Itshould be noted that other materials in a gaseous form can also beutilized to fill the expandable structure 10.

When foam is utilized to fill the expandable structure 10, the foam canbe either a light, soft foam or a heavy, dense foam, depending on theneeds and/or requirements of the user of the expandable structure 10.Additionally, to increase the expandability of the expandable structure10, an expanding foam can be utilized. When expanding foam is utilized,the first chamber 12 and second chamber 52 are made of a resilientmaterial that allows the two chambers to increase in size as theexpanding foam expands. Although not required, the two chambers 12, 52can be made of a resilient material when the chambers are filled with afluid, air, gel, or solid or hollow objects.

To add to the functionality of the expandable structure 10, and thecomfort of a user, a fitted cover 92 can be placed over the structure10. The cover 92, as shown in FIG. 5, has an opening 94 which allows theexpandable structure 10 to be inserted and removed from the cover 92.The cover 92 is made of a material selected from the group consisting ofsilk, satin, nylon, cotton or terry cloth, and the opening 94 iscomprised of a zipper (not shown) or a hook and loop fastener (notshown).

If desired, indicia 100, as shown in FIG. 1, can be applied to the firstchamber 12, the second chamber 52, or the fitted cover 92. The indicia100 can be utilized to identify a certain individual's expandablestructure 10, or can be used to add color or decoration that accentuatesa particular location or environment.

While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shownin the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details,since many changes and modifications may be made to the inventionwithout departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it isdescribed to cover any and all modifications and forms which may comewithin the language and scope of the claims.

1. An expandable structure comprising a first chamber having an upperlayer, a lower layer, a right edge, a left edge, an upper edge and alower edge, and a second chamber having an upper layer, a lower layer, aright edge, a left edge, an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein saidfirst chamber and said second chamber are integrally attached, with saidfirst chamber's lower edge attached to said second chamber's upper edge,wherein located on the upper layer or lower layer of said first chamberor said second chamber is at least one valve that allows a fluid to beinserted into said first chamber and said second chamber.
 2. Theexpandable structure as specified in claim 1 wherein the upper layersand lower layers of said first chamber and said second chamber areattached together by an attachment means selected from the groupconsisting of a heat seal, stitching, and an adhesive.
 3. The expandablestructure as specified in claim 1 wherein said first chamber and saidsecond chamber are made of a material selected from the group consistingof ABS, nylon, neoprene, polyester, polypropylene and polyurethane. 4.The expandable structure as specified in claim 1 wherein said firstchamber and said second chamber are filled with a material selected fromthe group consisting of air, foam, gel, a multiplicity of solid objectsor a multiplicity of hollow objects.
 5. An expandable structurecomprising: a) a first chamber having an upper layer, a lower layer, aright edge having an inward curve, a left edge having an inward curve,an upper edge having an inward curve, a lower edge and a perimeter seam,wherein said upper layer is dimensioned the same as and is attached tosaid lower layer by an attachment means, b) a second chamber having anupper layer, a lower layer, a right edge having an inward curve, a leftedge having an inward curve, an upper edge, a lower edge, and aperimeter seam, wherein said upper layer is dimensioned the same as andis attached to said lower layer by an attachment means, and wherein saidfirst chamber is integrally attached to said second chamber, c) at leastone valve that is located on the upper layer or the lower layer of saidfirst chamber, or the upper layer or the lower layer of said secondchamber, wherein the valve allows fluid to be inserted into said firstchamber and said second chamber to fill said structure, and allows thefluid to be released from said first chamber and said second chamber toempty said structure, and d) a transverse seal that is located betweensaid first chamber and said second chamber wherein said transverse sealextends laterally along and interfaces with the lower edge of said firstchamber and the upper edge of said second chamber, and wherein thetransverse seal separates said first chamber from said second chamber.6. The expandable structure as specified in claim 1 wherein said firstchamber and said second chamber are made of a material selected from thegroup consisting of ABS, nylon, neoprene, polyester, polypropylene andpolyurethane.
 7. The expandable structure as specified in claim 5wherein said first chamber and said second chamber are made of aresilient material that allows said structure to expand to a size thatis larger than said structure size prior to having a fluid inserted. 8.The expandable structure as specified in claim 5 wherein said at leastone valve is designed and dimensioned to allow the fluid to be insertedinto said first chamber and said second chamber.
 9. The expandablestructure as specified in claim 5 further comprising at least oneconduit through the transverse seal, wherein the conduit allows thefluid to pass back and forth from said first chamber to said secondchamber.
 10. The expandable structure as specified in claim 5 whereinsaid first chamber and said second chamber are filled with a materialselected from the group consisting of air, foam, gel, a multiplicity ofsolid objects or a multiplicity of hollow objects.
 11. The expandablestructure as specified in claim 5 wherein said at least one valvefurther comprises an adapter that is attached to said valve tofacilitate the insertion of air into said first chamber and said secondchamber.
 12. The expandable structure as specified in claim 5 whereinthe upper layers and lower layers of said first chamber and said secondchamber are attached together by the attachment means that are selectedfrom the group consisting of a heat seal, stitching, and an adhesive.13. The expandable structure as specified in claim 5 further comprisinga fitted cover having an opening which allows said expandable structureto be inserted into and removed from said cover.
 14. The expandablestructure as specified in claim 13 wherein said fitted cover is made ofa material selected from the group consisting of silk, satin, nylon,cotton, and terry cloth.
 15. The expandable structure as specified inclaim 13 wherein said opening on said fitted cover is comprised of azipper.
 16. The expandable structure as specified in claim 13 whereinsaid opening on said fitted cover is comprised of a hook and loopfastener.
 17. The expandable structure as specified in claim 5 furthercomprising indicia that is located on said first chamber.
 18. Theexpandable structure as specified in claim 5 further comprising indiciathat is located on said second chamber.
 19. The expandable structure asspecified in claim 5 further comprising indicia that is located on saidfitted cover.
 20. The expandable structure as specified in claim 5further comprising a cap that is dimensioned to fit onto and seal saidat least one valve.